Robbie Savage’s managerial career has taken another step forward after the former Wales international was appointed Peterborough United boss, 14 years after he famously offered to come out of retirement and play for Rangers.
Savage, now 51, has been confirmed as the new first-team manager at Peterborough, signing a long-term contract with the Posh.
But for Rangers supporters, Savage’s appointment may bring back memories of one of the more unusual transfer offers in the club’s history.
Savage offered to play for fourth tier Gers
Back in July 2012, Rangers had been plunged into administration, liquidation and were subsequently placed in the Third Division following financial collapse.
With Ally McCoist preparing for life in the fourth tier of Scottish football, Savage took to Twitter to make an extraordinary offer.
The former Derby and Blackburn midfielder, who had retired from professional football the previous year, said he would come out of retirement and play for Rangers for nothing if McCoist needed him.
Savage even revealed that he had contacted then-Rangers chief executive Charles Green directly.
“On a serious note, if Rangers are struggling for players I would come out of retirement and play for nothing... could do a job in Scot div 3! It would be a privilege to play for a great club... only retired a year ago,” he wrote on X at the time.
He later doubled down on the proposal, insisting that he was serious about making the move.
“I might be mad thinking I can but if they're desperate for players, I'll go up there and play for nothing! You think I'm joking, I'm serious! I've sent a text to Charles Green already to ask Ally if he needs any help!!”
For a brief period, it appeared there was a possibility that Savage could become one of the most unexpected additions to McCoist's squad.
However, by August, the former Wales midfielder admitted the move was unlikely to happen.
Savage said the offer remained available throughout the season, but believed Rangers already had enough players to compete in the Third Division.
“But it’s not going to happen at this moment, they have a good squad for div 3, and don’t need an old codger like me,” he posted.
More than a decade later, Savage has now moved firmly into management.
Robbie Savage named Peterborough boss
He began his coaching career with Macclesfield Town, guiding the club to promotion to the National League North in March 2025 while winning the league title.
He subsequently joined Forest Green Rovers in July 2025 and recorded a near 50 per cent win rate before making the move to Peterborough.
Savage's new employers say his personality, character and mindset were major factors behind his appointment.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who has been vocal on Rangers’ defender Emmanuel Fernandez in recent months, said he was particularly impressed by Savage's hunger to improve the club and restore confidence within the squad.
Savage himself has promised an attacking style of football, insisting he would rather win 5-4 than 1-0.
His managerial journey is therefore a long way from the scenario he imagined in 2012.
Back then, he was offering to pull on the Rangers shirt for free but now, the former midfielder is responsible for building a team of his own from the touchline.
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